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T. SHERIDAN KNOWLES' 



OBEAT EIBBENIAN MBLO-DBAMA, 



BRIAN BOROIHME, 



NEWLY ARRANGED 



TO SUIT AMATEUR PEEFORMEES, 



BY REV. L. GRIFFA. 



i\1A.i ^' 188 



OSWEGO, N. Y. : 
R. J. OLIPHANT, JOB PRINTER, BOOKBINDER AND STATIONER, 






CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



Brian Boroihme — King of Ireland. 
O'DONOGHUE — Lord of the Lakes. 
McCarthy Moore. 
ToRMAG—Datiish Chief. 
Voltimar — A veteran Dane warrior. 
TJlislan. 

Brina — Brian's daughter. 
Elgitha — A Danish Princess. 
Irish and Danish Soldiers, Bards, Attendants and Pages. 



Copyrighted February, 1883. 



BRIAN BOROIHME, 



ACT I. 

SCENE I. — Danish Carrn) — Vieio of the Bay — Night — Twit Sentinels 
crouched against a rock,asleei:> — O'Donoghue enters cautiously and 
reconnoiters arourid. 

(y/^onoghue. \_Looks at the Bay, counts the Banish ships, and 
takes notes on a scroll.'] Beautiful Bay ! How long shall these ac- 
cursed ships ride so smoothly in it ! \_Perceiving the sentinels.'] Val- 
orous sentinels ! They are sleepino; soundly. [^Laughs — Sentinels 
awake and come down — O'Donoghue hides first, then, ivhen the sen- 
tinels point to him their spears, he slays them, one after the other — 
Elgitha, veiled, appears with Foltimar.] A lady ! 

Elgitha. Forbear, valiant chief! 

O^Don. Who are you ? 

Elg. Friends, to you. \^To Voltimar.] Please, retire yonder. 

Vol. lBeti7'ing.] Strange beings, these women ! [Shakes his 
head.] 

Elg. [Throws off veil.] Enow you not me ? 

O'Don. The Queen, perchance ? Tormag's wife ? 

Elg. Say slave ; such are women wedded to tyrants. 

O'Don. But all this concerns me not. 

Elg. Yet, you once concerned yourself much about me. At Tara's 
battle you saved my life, and tended me for days in your tent. 

O'Don. I have done the same in behalf t)f many. 

Elg. [Aside.] How indifierent ! [To O'Don ^] But if you for- 
got me,, 1 forgot you not. 

O'Don. 'Tis gratitude ; proper of such noble souls as I suppose 
yours is. 

Elg. 'Tis more. 'Tis admiration — 'tis devotion — 'tis — [She covers 
her face with both hands, weeps and throws herself to O'Donoghue' s 
feet, tohich she clasps.] 

O'Don. [Aside.] Oh! Erina! [To Elgitha.] Excuse, I must be 
off to my duty. [Tears himself from her. £.vit.] 

Elg. Duty ! [ With rage — arises.] Oh, despair ! [Drum and 
bugle is heard at a distance.] 

Vol. [Bushes in.] Princess ; 'tis unsafe for us to remain around 
here longer. You waste your time with that man. [Drum and 
bugle again.] Quick, quick to your tent, lady. [Exit Elgitha.] 
How unmanageable these women, when in love ! [Shakes his head.] 
And yet, gray as I am, I always get into some trouble for their sakes. 
[Exit.] 



SCEN"E 11.— Hall in Brian's Castle. 

(yDon. (entering with McCarthy.) Can we have an audience 
from the king so early ? * 

McCarthy. — Hark! The Roval Trumpet! Our King is coming. 
(Bugle.) 

Brian — (enters.) Welcome, my friends. God bless you and my peo- 
ple and guard this envied land from the invader's iron yoke and 
crown our resistance with decisive conquest, or grant us glory in a 
patriot's grave. Now , my young warrior ! How fares it, 
O'Donoghue ? 

(yDon. May every morn, for countless years to come, smile on 
my Sovereign like this cheering hour. 

Brian. We miss'd thee yester 'eve. 

O'Don. My liege — under the friendly shadows of the night, dis- 
guised, I reconnoitered the enemy's camp. Thus I learned the 
number of the foe, their manner of combat, and each leader's force. 
This day Tormag means to stake his all, and offer battle to victori- 
ous Brian. This scroll, my liege, contains a hasty sketch of our 
insatiable enemy's designs. 

Brian. Adventurous, gallant youth, thy matchless sire, the un- 
daunted lion of our sea-girt land, revives in thee. Thou shalt receive 
the merited reward. Thine installation as Prince shall follow 
straight, and thou shalt gain the glorious meed which noble souls 
pursue — the laurel and the shamrock shall entwine to grace the 
patriot soldier's lofty brow. 

McCarthy. My liege, the'Princess. 

Enter Erina luitJi several ladies. 

Bri. Oh ! my dearest daughter ! child of my hopes, come to my 
arms. Alas! this field of dangerous strife, these throngs of hardy 
soldiery, this clang of trumpets but little suit thy tender soul. Erina, 
dost thou not fear, my child, the coming conflict ? 

E7i. Fear! my dread liege, the daughter of great Brian know 
the touch of fear ! Oh ! no, my father: could my prayers prevail, and 
woman's modesty forbade it not, I'd doff my sex's softness, spurn my 
distaff, and in the hour of battle grasp a sword, to save your sacred 
life or lose my own. 

Bri. There' spoke the soul of Brian. By all the glories of my 
ancient race, I prize tbee, my Erina, yes I prize thee beyond victory, 
or bright renown! Chieftains, forgive an old fond father's prattle. I 
had forgot, Erina ; thank this youth, the son of my dearest compeer, 
whose memory shall live till time's no more; though young in arms, 
he has already done me a veteran's service. Thank him for thy. 
father. 

CDon. My gracious liege, your goodness overrates the trifling 
peril of my last night's duty. 

Bri. Trifling peril, says't thou, my young hero ! I^ow, by our 
hopes, the deed was greatly bold. Would'st think it, Erina, our 
short truce (confirmed by sacred and mutual oaths) this day the base 
invaders of our shores would foully violate ; but by thy valor he 
comes Twe trust) to meet disgrace and ruin. 



Eri. I know^not how to thank you, noble Prince, or to appreciate 
justly, your noble desert. To native loyalty this scarf I consecrate 
— \m still my dearest father's chosen champion ; and where he hurls 
his vengeance on the foe, there let the scarf be seen. 

O'Don. Beauteous Erina, how shall I speak — so greatly over- 
paid ! This precious gift I prize beyond my life. 

Brian. Well ! Proceed we now to supplicate the God of battles 
to protect our arms, then to install you solemnly as Knight and 
Prince, O'Donoghue. (Exit.) 

O'Don. (bowiug. ) In beauty's presence, war its aspect changes ; 
her voice's charm silences its clanging horn, and sooths its strong 
breast to peace. 

Ei'i. This is a courtier's, not a warrior's phrase ; man is ever him- 
self. 

O'Don. So ever is the lion ; yet they say that love can tame the 
lion's rage, and beauty is the queen of love. 

Eri. Then owns she but adoubtful sway; for, oft her subject takes 
the rule himself, and makes his queen his slave. 

O'Don. Speak not thus, Princess. (Exeunt.) 

SCEN"E III. 
Ruins — Toml) of St. Patrick amidst ruins — Soldiers on ivatch — 

Vlislan and two others with torches come out cautiously — Tormag 

was pacing to and fro in anxious expectaiion — Voltimar stands 

hy. 

tor. Well, Ulislan, what hast thou discovered? 

Ulis. My lord, a long vault, under these ruins, winds up and leads 
through this entrance to yon shrine. 

Tor. 'Tis well. Thank thee, Ulislan, Xow, my soldiers, hear: 
this shrine is the place where, as I learned, fair Erina, each morn, 
unguarded, unattended, offers up devotion to her saint. Thrice has 
your chief demanded her of Brian for his bride, and thrice has he 
indignantly refused.* Would you believe me, when last I urged my 
suit (the lasting ground of amity and peace) the haughty Brian 
swore that, ere his blood should mingle with a Dane's, with his own 
hand (in case of defeat,) he'd slay his child. To-day we meditate 
a fatal blow. By it, Erin and Erina shall be mine. 

Vol. Royal Tormag ! 

Tor. How now, Yoltimar? 

Vol. Have I your leave to speak ? 

Tor. What would'st thou speak? 

Vol. A soldier's thought. 

Tor. I^^ay, by that sullen look, I see thou art displeased; at what? 

Vol At this thou art about to do. 

Tor. How, Yoltimar? 

Vol. I thought there would be danger in thy service, and so I 
came. But such a feat as this; to scare a helpless woman at her 
prayers ! I pray you. for the honor of our name, let us put off these 
vests, and lay by our hack'd arms — such an exploit may suit indeed 
a silken reveller, but, not a man in steel. 

Tor. Dare you dispute when I command ? 



Vol. I am a soldier, sir, and as a soldier I bluntly speak. 

Tor. Be not too rash ! 

Vol. 'Tis my failing, sir; I cannot help it. Many a rude knoek 
and hardy scratch it gets me. Yet you know I do not lag behind 
the light. 

Tor. No more, I will not brook this freedom ; suit your own 

humor. Go, Ulislan, upon the hill's summit ; take your stand and 

give me note if you observe the foe to move. Now, let two remain 

and watch the entrance to guard against surpnse, the rest attend me. 

ToRMAG and the soldiers hide in the ruins. 

Ulis. Well, Voltimar, will you remain with uS? 

Vol. Yes ; but not for this new kind of duty. Make war with 
women! (laughs with scorn.) (^Exeunt.) 

SCENE lY. 
Brian's palace — Hall of the throne. 

Brian, (enters, leading caressingly, Erina) Now, how is this, 
Erina, my dear child, do yow mistrust the issue of the contest ? 

Eri. No, father, no, siich a king and such a people, with justice 
on their side, are but a body of giant magnitude^immortal and in- 
vincible. 

Bri. Heroic gn-1, and yet I see your spirits droop ; tell me, Erina, 
I mark'd you when a noble youth received a favor Irom your hand 
to-day. Well, do not blush because your heart applauds desert; 
ycmr lather can award it too : let us but drive these frowns of war 
away, and peace and love shall dwell in all their smiles. 

{Enter McCarthy.) 

McCarthy. My Liege, all is ready. 

Bri. Well, lead in O'Donoghue, and let the rest follow. \_They 
group and talk together.'] 

Eri. [aside.'] Ah, said he "love !" Yes, he has given a name to 
all those fears which swell my breast. How subtle, and how resist- 
less is the force of this sentiment, which subdues you ere you I'eel 
its power ! 

[Exit McCarthy. Brian comes dacJc to Erina and leads her to the 
thrones, ichere both sit. Bugles sound. Music. Enter again Mc- 
Carthy, leading O'Donoghue to Brian's left. Pages come carrying 
sword, badge of the Bed Cross, and a crown of laurel and shamrock. 
Ladies follow, who go to the right of Erina. Officers, soldiers and 
Bards come and take positions around. Music] 

Bri. [rises with Erina.] Brave O'Donoghue, thy prowess is well 
known, not only to us, but to all Ireland. She now expects from 
thee new feats of glory. Thou art to be my right hand in our im- 
minent struggle with her pagan invaders. In this exploit, and 
henceforth, thou shalt wear, and valiantly use, this sword, with 
which I knight thee. [Gives sword.] And this Red Cross shall be 
thy badge of honor. [Gives badge.] And thy name from hence 
shall be ''The Prince of the Lakes." 

Soldiers [shout.] Long live Knight O'Donoghue, Prince of the 
Lakes ! 



Bri. In recognition of past valiant deeds, as well as in anticipa- 
tion of future ones, this crown of laurel, entwined with the sacred 
shamrock, shall now be placed on thy noble temples. My royal 
daughter has already consecrated thee her father's champion by the 
gift of that sacred scarf; she will now lav on thee this crown, fore- 
runner of another greater reward \_he winks at Erina, ivho smiles^ 
which we reserve for thee after the victory. Erma. crown the Prince ! 
[ While she does so, 0' Doiwghue steals a hiss on her hand.'] 

O'Don. [brandishing the sicord.] May now God grant me to 
make of this precious weapon the glorious use which you and Ire- 
land expect from me. For my part I'll sooner die than ever, in any 
of my deeds, be beneath the honor you have conferred on me, 

Bri. Sit near me. Prince. And you. Erina, charm us with 
one of your choice songs. [They sit doum. Erina sings ; then 
chorus of follower i' and the Bard^.] 

Eri. [after the song.] Royal father, with your permission, I'll 
now to the tomb of our great JPatron Saint for my usual devotions. 
[Brian assents. Erina and her ladies exeunt.'] 

Bri. [rises.] I^ow, my braves, this is the order of battle. To 
Prince O'Donoghue, the right; the left to McCarthy Moore; the 
centre to myself. Hence, then ! to our several chiefs our orders 
show, and bid them prepare their troops. The hour is come when 
Erin's foes must fall ! 

[Exeunt — Brian the last. Band plays. Voltimar, disguised, ap- 
proaches McCarthy. ] 

McCar. Who art thou? 

Vol. A foe ; yet a friend ! Read this scroll, [apart.] Ah! I 
may still save her! Poor maiden ! [Exit, quick.] 

SCENE Y. — The Ruins and Tonib as before. Two soldiers, then Tor- 
mag spying — When Erina is coming, they hide. 

Eri. The post of danger is my lover's post — my lover's ; nay, why 
should my heart delude itself— 'tis his, it owns him for his lord. Oh*^! 
that I could transform myself, then ^ould I take some warrior's 
shape, and to the battle go, where truer than his buckler, I would 
guard my lover's breast, would die to take him from the chance of 
death. 

[She goes to the tomb, kneels and prays. Tormag sloicly glides 
near Iter and takes her by the arm.] 

Eri. [shrieks.] For mercy, hold ! lam great Brian's daughter. 
Mercy ! 

Tor. Lovely maiden, thbu'rt decreed by fate itself to be Tormag's 
bride. Thine own saints confess thy destiny, when in their very 
shrine where you called and prayed for rescue, silent and unmoved 
they see a Pagan to his burning breast a royal virgin strain. [ Clasps, 
her. ] 

Eri. Patron Saint, do you desert me now ! "Where is thy sword, 
my father? [She disentangles herself from his embrace.] 

Tor. Lady, no more — come, lady, come. [Soldiers appear.] 



8 

Eri. Soldiers, to you I cry — will you serve a coward chief like 
this, who wrongs a woman, whom the heavens made weak because 
they thought not savage force itself could harm her ! 

Tor. Lady, scoru me not ! Away with all forbearance. \_Seizes 
her. O'Donoghue and McCarthy loith soldiers rush in — McCarthy 
stands hy her — O'Donoghue attacks Tormag, and his soldiers 
attach the Danish soldiers who just then rush in — Tormag and 
his soldiers, repulsed, retire, followed hy the others^-Fight outside.'] 

McCar. Look, lady, how bravely he tights ! 

Eri. A.h, shield him, ye saints ! \ Short silence — Erina, faintish, 
leans on McCarthy.'} 

Eri. Tormag is disarmed. They all fly! 

O'Don. Revive, my royal mistress. 

Eri. Ah ! is then my deliverer safe ! Oh, joy ! Thanks ! 

O'Don. Erma, smile to me ; that is my strength in battle, wreath 
in victor}^, recompense in death. {Clang of arms and tramping out- 
side. ) 

McCar. Ah, the Pagans return. 

O'Don. To safety guide our royal mistress, and bring help. 

Eri. Oh ! — O'Donoghue, live — live for me — [^Exit with McCarthy. 
Tormag tvith soldiers rush in and attack 0' Donoghue^—His soldiers, 
surprised, fall — Tormag's soldiers then come and surround O'Don- 
oghue, tcho, disarmed, falls.'] 

Tor. Enchain him, and drag him to prison. [He Iiolds his arms, 
putting his foot on O'Donoghue's breast — Tramp of Irish soldiers 
heard outside — Tahleau.'] 

ACT 11. 
SCEN"E 1; — Tlie Sail of Shillelagh — Brian discovered seated— sur- 

rounded hy his soldiers, attendants, tfc. 

Bri. Days of my strength, whither have ye fled ! Ah ! nothing 
can now soothe the warrior's breast, worn down by care. Leave me, 
my children — [Shouts without — " the Princess !" "the Princess !"] 
Ah ! do my eyes deceive me — no — no — 'tis my child — my age's 
darling. [Enter Erina, attended hy McCarthy Moore.'] "Wel- 
come to my breast once more — my child; my child is safe! But 
where is your brave deliverer? 

McCar. Dread liege, the painful task remains for me : that pride 
of Erin's sons, our noble champion, is now a prisoner of the foe ! 

Bri. A prisoner ! 

Ei'i. Oh, my heart 1 [Leans on her attendant.'] 

Bri. Retire, my dear Erina. 

Eri. Sire, I obey — 'tis not repose, alas, that can bring the bloom 
to Srina's cheek, or cheer the heart that droops with hopeless love ! 

[Exit Erina, attended. 

Bri. McCarthy Moore, how fell the youth into the Tyrant's power ? 

McCar. Alas ! dread sire, by most unequal force. Our assault 
was sudden, — quick the foe's discomtiture. But then the foe reap- 
peared, outnumbering us. I led to safety your royal daughter; 
O'Donoghue remained, but, overpowered, he became a victim of the 
foe. 



Bri. Lamented youth, thy Kin«!^ bewails thee, and thy country 
feels thy loss : for, much she needs a friend like thee, beset with peril 
from rapacious foes, who smile to draw their swords and waste her 
blood. But sa}'- if still the gallant youth survives. 

M'Car. A herald o'ertook us near the gate, charged with a mes- 
sage from the Pngan chief: by him we learn the Prince was made 
captive. My liege, the herald waits. \_Exit M'CARxnY.] 

Bri. Let him approach. Ah, my dear country, bear me witness, 
I wrong thee not, if now I shed a tear: be3'ond friend or child, I 
value thee; and light would hold their ruin as my own, if from our 
fall thy liberties might spring. [^Enter JJhiSLAy! preceded by McCar- 
thy.] K'ow, what from Tormag 1 

Ulis. Amity and peace— the price, Erina and your kingdom's 
half. This ofier spurned, war, lierce and merciless, and instant death 
to the brave O'Donoghue, your country's proudest boast. My errand 
done, I crave your pardon : I speak the words of Scandanavia's 
chief. 

Bri. Pagan, observe ! When first this envied island sought your 
aid, it priz'd your prowess and your skill in arms. From the rough 
seas we welcomed you to feast ; we spread our boards with richest 
banquets ; for your repose prepared the softest couches, and while 
they slept our honor was that they woke in safety. Our daughters 
we gave to them in marriage ; nor restrained their worship, holding 
it wrong in the sight of heaven to stipulate the law of c(mscience, 
and order how its votaries should kneel.: such was our faith. IN'ow, 
Pagan, mark the contrast! These stranger friends, by ambition 
urged, sought to make us slaves. "We crushed them and were free : 
N"ow their sons undo their fathers' deeds. Hence to your chief. 
Tell him he may as well pierce this body as penetrate the hearts of 
this land's bold sons. Teli him we know the faith of Danish leagues, 
and will not yield on other terms than these — quit our shores and we 
"Will sheath our swords; remain and they shall make your graves of 
blood! 

M'Car. The brave O'Donoghue, my liege ! 

Bri. True, true, I owe him much; but, by all my hopes, I owe 
my country more. Guide the courier past our lines, M'Carty Moore. 
\_Exit TJlislan and M'Carty.] By the shades of my great forefa- 
thers, I swear; when once my sword is drawn in fight, it shall not 
quit my arm 'till life desert me, or the foe be prostrate on the shores 
he dares invade! lExit Brian and Officers.'] 

SCEjSTE II — Danish camp — Tormag in his tent icith Elgitha. 

Tor. Woman, no more — the Christian prisoner must die ! 

Elg. Forbear, Tormag : by our love I charge you, harm not 
your prisoner if you prize Elgitha! This prince, at Tara's field, 
preserved my life ; will not Tormag own the noble deed? 

Tor. Will you deny, that since that cursed day your looks have 
worn an altered favor toward me ? — absent thoughts, looks wistful, 
sighs at times half checked bursting their way. [^Trumpet heard.} 
No more. 

Elg. What sounds are those ? 



10 

Tor. He comes to hear bis sentence. {Enter Yolttmar ahd 
O'BoxoniTE, guarded and in chaiyis.) Cbristian, yoii are in my 
power, yet I would use my fortiiuc mildly : mark my ofler, then. 
Kenonnce your faith, your monarch and his cause, and you are free. 
TTe take you to our arms, and equal rauk aud honor, and the half of 
all our victories we'll assign to you ! What is your answer. Prince ? 

O'Don. Oh ! that these galling fetters were butloos'd — Imtarm'd 
this hand — then, back'd by all tby host, I'd answer thee, fell tyrant, 
as I ought. Wbat! SelTmy native land, fell robber? N'o, though 
scorpion furies waited on tby word, though all hell's malice at my 
fame were hurl'd, for all the boundless empires of the world, I'd not 
desert my country, king and God ! , 

Tor. 'Tis well ! we'll bend your stubborn courage yet! Remember, 
Prince, 'tis for a falling cause you spurn my clemency : your country 
soon must own the all-subduing hardihood of northern soldiers. 

(yDon. Soldiers ! you disgiacc the name of soldiers — you were 
better called hounds of murder ! Blood cannot flow enough to 
glut you : massacre, besmeared as it is, rank and corrupt, is yet; too 
clean to please you ! Your ears, to horror strung, not yet content 
with gix)ans from mangled bodies in a heap, with women's shrieks 
delight themselves, 'till gory war, struck with the image you show 
him of himself, with horror stands aghast! 

Tor. Bear the slave hence ! One hour we give for choice ; then 
life or death awaits his word. Life crowned with honor, riches, glory, 
fame; or a dreadful, public,* ignominious death ! 

O'Don. Say ignominious life and gloricms death ! The way the 
culprit dies, can only shame the culprit ; but when 'tis the option of 
the honorable mind, your shameful rack and public executi(m become 
the body more than all the honors apostac}' could purchase from 
corruption. 

Tor. We'll. shortly try the temper of thy valor, 

O'Don. Then let the trial come; 'tis only pain to linger. Lead 
me to my cell; and know, proud man, though at thy mercy, I defy 
thy power, and die with pleasure in my country's cause, 

(Exit O'DoxonuE, cjtiarded.) 

Tor. What say'st thou now, Elgitha, should I spare this stubborn 
chief, who dares to scorn my power ? 

Elg. My lord, his rashness justly seals his doom. But, pardon, 
fallen as he is, aud prostrate by thy power, he is heightened in my 
heart the more, (Aside) Ah, tyrant! (exit abrupth/. Music.) 

Tor. Sounds of music ! [^Soldiers crowd around.^ Whom have 
you there ? 

[^Enter Ulislan and Voltimar conducting Erin a disguised as a 
blind harper boy.'\ 

Ulis. X wandering harper boy, deserted by his guide. He wan- 
dered near our camp ; but though so young, is still master of his art. 
Play to our chief. [^Erina sits and sings a verse.'] 

for. I like his music well; conduct him to Elgitha's tent. Re- 
member. Voltimar, our prisoner dies at nightfall, {Exit Tormag. 

Eri. [aside.] That prisoner is O'Donoghue; heart, betray me 
not; it fails me ; I am lost ! L Faints in the arms of Voltimar.} 



11 

. Vol. What means the boy — ah, that face — 'tis she — 
UUs. ISharphj.-] How? 

Vol. A little, puuy boy, who feared our chief's command. Come, 
come, rouse thee, little dastard, rouse thee, what dost thou fear? 
There, go, go to lady Elgitha ; see you play j^our best. [ Ulislan 
conducts Erina off.'\ 

Vol. Yes, 'tis the Princess! What can have brought her here? 
Love — yes, love for the gallant prisoner. 'Twas love mspired him 
to deeds of valor in this day's aftair; thank heaven, my sword was 
not against him in that fight 1 Yes, 'tis love that has urged her in 
this disguise to seek and save her chief. 'Tis nobly done ; 'tis honor's 
cause ; and come what will, I'll save the lovers, or perish in the at- 
tempt. [Exit Voltimar. 

Enter Elgitha, followed hy a Page conducting Erina. 

Elg. Sure love alone can make such sounds. Come hither, harper ; 
know you the Prince ? Your strains do say so. 

Eri. I am his vassal, lady ; and never vassal knew a kinder lord. 
Alas ! that I should live to hear you tell that he is in bondage ! 

Elg. [Aside.] If I should use this harper, he might prove a trusty 
friend to save his lord. I'll try him. \_To Erina.'] Behold in me 
his friend ; I'll save him. 

Eri. Will you, lady ? Heaven bless you. lAside.'] What does 
she mean ? 

Elg. Hide this letter and give it to him — my page shall conduct 
you to his dungeon. If he owns a grateful heart, his liberty is now 
at his command. [To Page.'] Conduct the harper boy; I have 
taught him how to win the Irish chief to the great Tormag's side. 
lExit Erina, led hy Page.] Soon as the dusk shall lall, un- 
masked I may approach the guard; accustomed to obev my will, 
they'll let him forth with me, and then we'll fly to liberty and bound- 
less joys of love. \_Exit. 

SCENE lY. — A Prison, O'Donogliue discovered, chained. 

O'Don. When will my hour arrive? I long to end my course; 
the very moments seem to creep. How dull and tedious is captivity ! 
ITrumpet.] When last I heard that sound, my sword struck terror 
to the heart of many a Dane : Erina, then I fought for thee, and now 
I perish for thee. 

Enter Erina and Page. 
■ Page. This is his dungeon. 

Eri. You may leave me ; your lady gave command we should 
confer alone. lExit Page.] My lord, my lord ; O'Donoghue ! 

O'Don. Who speaks my name ? — what are you ? 

Eri. One that brings to the captive hope of freedom. 

O'Don. Who has sent you ? 

Eri. Elgitha. 

aDoJi. Ha! Elgiath, do you say? I saved her life in Tara's 
bloody field ; this tells me she remembers well the debt. 

Eri. A letter. Prince. 

O'Don. What, from Elgitha too? ^Rcads.] Ra I Liberty ! Elgitha, 
generous and noble fair ! yes, you shall share my flight, and ever find 



12 

a home with her you save ! Let me read further. [Beads again.'] 

EH. \_Aside.'] Then farewell life and love. 

CyDon. My faith the prize and my love to my Erina. Oh, fatal 
line ! my chain>^ were taken off, and now you rivet them again. 

Eri. How. Prince, what mean you? Is the fair Elgitha's love a 
theme for sadness f — is the gallantry of Irish Knights so cold, that 
they regret the smiles of beai\ty? 

d'JDoh. Hence, thou mockiug Page ! hence to thy lady's couch : 
no more molest my dungeon !■ — Oh, Erina I IRetires.'] 

Eri. moment of my life, most sad, most blest ! IWeeps.] 

(J Don. 'Why dost thou weep, boy? 

Eri. I have a friend like thee in bondage. 

CyDon. Sure, thou cans't not grieve for him, and yet not pity me. 
Oh, could I find that enemy who for the sake of pity would render 
me the service of a friend ! 

Eri. What then ? 

O'Don. I'd teach him to sweeten death for one whose life is the 
last good that death can rob him of. 

Eri. Unfold your wish : I swear, though to perform it may ex- 
ceed my power. I'll ne'er betray it. 

O'Don. Well, then, I'll trust thee. I die to-night ; watch thou, 
and from the gash near my heart this token snatch — it is my mistress' 
scarf; 'twill be thy passport to the camp of Royal Brian ; bear it to 
his court, and when among the crowd of beauties you perceive a 
peerless one, then drop it without a word, save what a sigh or 
tongueless tear might speak. 

Eri. Oh never be that office mine ; thou see'st that I am blind ! 
[JVoi?e of chains without.'] 

Elgi. XWithout.] Wait without. 

Eri. Elgitha here! — my lord, I've but a moment; seem but to 
consent — yield to Elgitha ibr Erina's sake. 

O'Don. Erina's sake!— how for Erina? 

Eri. Peace, she's hero. [Elgitha e^icrs, ] Behold the fair to 
whom your thanks afe due. Your humble vassal here is but an in- 
strument — 'tis fair Elgitha that breaks your bonds and sets you free 
from death. Thank her, my lord, and use the means she gives. 

Elgi. Forbear, great Prince, to thank Elgitha; she is nobly paid 
in saving him she loves. The dusk now falls ; now is time for flight : 
let us use it, then, and liberty and ]i)y will soon be ours. Thus do I 
loose your chains to rivet you in soiter bonds. . 

[Takes off his chains, and retires a little. O'Donoghue hesi- 
tates.] 

Eri. [Aside.] Consent, consent — 'tis for Erina. 

O'Don. Erina! 

Eri. Heaven I thank you ! 

Elgi. ISTow follow. [Elgitha goes to door, O'Donoghue leads 
Erina — Elgitha seeing this, moti<,ns him to stop.] 

O'Don. What does Elgitha mean? 

Elgi. That boy must stay. 

O'Don. Must stay I 

Elgi. So many cannot pass securely. 



13 



(yDon And must he stay to sate the tyrant's rage ? 
self"**' ^ ^'^^'^ ^" '^^^ "^^ ^^^*^' ^it^ pleasure will I doom my- 
0'Z)ow- Lady, m battle I have placed my heart before the moan 
est vassal m our ranks whom I have seen in an unequarfi 'ht upon 
such terms I cannot take my Jife. ° ' P 

^/jri Is then El-iiha slighted for a Pa-e! Remember Pnnco it 
herenJ^Vl '"' '' '"^ ""'''"'' ^ '"^'''' ' ^""' '^ scorned-beware 
Eri. Then all is lost— inspire me, Heaven! IStriTces Harp 

SON"G. 
If the lord of the forest do pine in the toil 

Then fortune unfriendly to virtue will prove 
bo shght not the safety that now seems to smile 
And restor'd you shall be both to freedom and love 
Elgi. What means the boy? 

O'Don 'Tis she! 'tis she! I know the voice-that strain-dis- 
guised she comes to give me liberty ! 

w£n T .V"""^ w-^ ^** -■'^ to profit by your mercy. His native music 
Sf a^niSoE'a'-S ^^"^ ^'"^^ -^'^'^ impriaono^entZs 
,„?''°'"';-f "''• 'c-"'' " ^akes a thoiisana tender thoughts of We 
p^e'eS'tr" '"= "°' '^""^ ^°»'"^' '^° laste.p™.sSs „>ore "m^ 

L-^^*w<'^ sings. 
Tho' the lord of the forest do pine in the toil 
And fortune unfriendly to virtue do prove' 
Yet sorrow forgets all its pains at the smile' 
That beams from the visions of freedom and love. 
Elgi. Quick !— decide at once. 

flig^lfo'llolTer" '"^' ^"'"^^ ''^ ^"-P^^ ^^^ ^" ^^-« ^y 
Elgi It cannot be! Who is this favored youth, whose safctv is 
so p,-ecious? 'Tis plain Elgitha is but flattered fo'r a time to /an 
that freedom which, when obtained, will be converted into El-itha's 
sname. ® 

O'Don. Oh, Heaven ! 
i.S" t^^'^^f.^*-] ?/^^me thy hand, boy. What kind of hand 
istbi* / ^o vassal hath a hand so white— so smooth— thou would'st 

Ti^lTi^'~^''- ^^^ ^'^' '" °^"^^^°' ^ndthy tender lord-In thou 
a woman ? 

Enter Tormag and Soldiers. 
Tor. Seize the traitress l~rThev seize Jier.l 
Elgi. Ha! betrayed! 
^o?/!''" ^«i'fi^l^«^^^^oman! yes. Conduct her hence to instant 

?fln;. ^ ' f/ ^^''^' ^^'' '"J"'''" l^yalty-your boasted love to Royal 
Bnan's daughtcr-you are he, for whom Eriua scorns the great Tor- 

Elgi. Erina! oh revenge. I thank thee; death will be to me most 
welcome, m the fall ot him I loved, and her for whom he scorned me. 



14 

IBrealcs from Guards.'] Guard, by your leave.— [ G^oes to Erina 
and tears off handagc'\— Is not this she? 

Tor. Erioa! 

Elgi. Ha! my prophetic thought -was true. What! Ireland's 
Princess such a slave of love as to become a wandering harper boy? 
Fair lady, lay aside your, male attire, and in my place near great 
Tormag shine : I am your lover's bride — death vreds us — but sweet 
is my fate to yours, whose bridal day buries your love, aud weds you 
to your bane. 

{Exit Elgitha guarded.'] 

Tor. Erina m my power ! — Star of my fate I thank thee ! Bear 
the Princess to my tent. O'Donohue, now is defeat revenged — now 
Brian, I defy thee ! 
EH. I'll die rather ! 

[Erina and O'Donoghue rush into each other's arms— they are torn, 
asunder^she is home out — the guards follow — O'Donoghue tries 
to escape — The Soldiers oppose their spears to him. — Tableau.] 

ACT III. 

SCENE I — Room — Tormag and Ulislan watching Erina who reclines 
on a couch in a state of insensibility. 

Tor. The cordials fail. 'Tis death that holds her now; death, 
from whose grasp no human power can tear its victim. 

JJlis. My lord, 'tis but a swoon, {feels her heart.) Life is there 
yet. 

Tor. Delude me not with vain hopes. Ah ! man, your chief 
would now half his northern kingdom give to save that life ! {voice 
outside.) " To arms, to arms," "the foe," (exeunt, quick.) 

Vol. (Rushes in and raises Erina.) My plan succeeded well. 
{carrying her off.) Lovely burden. Rather trying for an old 
soldier. {Music Tormag and Ulislan re-enter.) 

Tor. "Twas but a false alarm : perhaps treachery. 

Ulis. - {Perceiving Erina' s disappearance.) My liege, the lady is 
gone! 

Tor. Couldn't be run away ! 

Ulis. Too weak suiely for that. Must have been borne away. 

Tor. Ah! {strikes his forehead) I understand now the false 
alarm. Ulislau, take men, pursue, quick, towards the Irish camp. 

But stay— (///^»^•^»r7), Send me here the prisoner first Ah! 

whose work can this lie ? Elgitha's ? — 2^o : caunot be — Yoltimar's 
methinks: the dog ! always so soft when 'twas question of women ! 
{0'V)onu\\wQ enters, guarded.) {Aside) Ah! All is right about 
him. {To O'Don.) What about your harper boy? {tauntingly.) 

O'Don. If she is still in your power, better death for her ! 

Tor. Dare you insult me, alter raising rebellion aud treachery in 
my own camp ? 

O'Don. A crael and abhorred tyrant cannot expect but that. 

Tor. I shall not brook more. {He points sword as if to transfix 
O'Donohue.) Take thy doom. {He hesitates.) 



15 

&f)bn. TThy pause yon ? Ah ! look at tyranny in its ra*e ! 
(taunting) How coward ! Whilst conscious Tirtue (strikes his losom) 
deters and di>;arms it! 

Tor. Enough ! From those lips my dire revonge Fhall bring 
groans thick as anguijsh eyer could crowd." Death thou shalt have ; 
but death of lingeriug torture. Bear him away. "With awful 
preparation least his eyes; then with horrid execution try him. 
{exeunt.) 

SCENE U—A Eocky Pass. 
Eri. (Without.) Desist, Tormag ! Tyrant, hold! Help ! help ! 
Enter Yoltimar hearing Erina. 

Vol. Fear not, fair lady — I am your friend. [He places heron the 
floor — she rises.'] 

Eri. My friend ? 

Vol. Yes ! I have conveyed you from Tormag's power, and now 
we pass the Danish lines. 

Eri. Oh, generous stranger ! 

Vol. Lady, let us embrace the opportunity that ofiers itself. 
Haste, lady, haste, while flight is possible! 

Eri. I leave him, then, to perish ! Oh, Erina! Poor O'Donoghue, 
who, for my sake, suflers inglorious bondage? 
Enter Ulislan and Soldiers. 

XJlis. So, Yoltimar, you've betrayed our prince ! Yield your 
charge. 

Vol. Xever ! 

TJlis. [To Soldiers.] Conduct the lady to Tormag. You, Yol- 
timar, must be with me, and answer for this. 

Vol. Hold, Ulislan ! is this the foe we came to fight? Look, 
Ulislan — 'tis woman — helpless woman ! 

Ulis. Seize on them. [To Soldiers.] 

Vol. Stand off, I say ! In battle I have seen thee oft, bat never 
saw thee strike a fallen foe. Behold this sword : once in the field it 
saved you. Never shall it be sheathed now, till I have performed 
my task — or failing, fall a breathless corpse. 

[iSe?>es Erina — Soldiers fight ^naji rushes in, to his rescue, and 
beats them all off.] 

Bri. Who art thou, stranger? 

Vol. A Dane. Art thou great Brian? Raise thy daughter to 
your arms. 

Bri. IBaiscs Erina.] My child — my child ! 

Eri. My father ! 

Bri. But the Prince ! 

Vol. Is condemned to death. Ere now they lead him to his 
fate. — Haste, great sir ! Collect what forces you can, and by wind- 
ing round yon hills, we may unperceived fall on them. Fire the first 
few tents we meet : the wind blows from the oast ; the conflagration 
will be general ! Haste, great sir, and I will lead you ; time is pre- 
cious — follow — ^follow me ! lExeunt.] 



16 

SCENE III — BanisJi encampment — A procession of death — O'Don- 
oghuo coniucted to execution, followed hy Toimag. 

Tor. N^ow, Ireland's champion, can thy stoic soul look upon 
death, and such a death as this, unmoved, unchanged? Say, wilt 
thou be wise and shuu the ignominy that.awaits thee ? 

O'Don. Thou curs'd destroyer of my country's peace, by whose 
mahgnant, baleful influence our groaning country bleeds at every 
pore ; glut, satiate thy hellish vengeance on me ! I brave thy power; 
firm and unbending as Hibernian oak, I dare thy utmost malice ! 

Tor. Give the slave the torture ! 

O'Don. My soul shall soar above thy dire revenge. Think ye 
the gaze of thousands, or the public execution, can appal the patriot's 
soul? Stretch'd on this iron bed of pain and anguish, my parting 
soul shall wing its flight to heaven; whilst thou, assassin, on thy 
gilded couch, shaU feel the scorpion stings that goad thy heart, and 
carry all thy luture hell within thee ! 

Tor. Obey me, slaves ! 

Enter Ulislan in haste. 

UUs. Quick ! prepare for battle, my lord, or foul defeat attends 

your arms ! 

Tor. Strike every hand ! (Bugle and drums outside) 

Brian and party, and Voltimar with Erina rush in — Voltimar releases 
O^ Dono^hue — A geizeral battle commences — The Irish slay Danish 
soldiers — Brian attacks Tormag — When O' Donoghue is free, Brian 
shielding himself, gives quick his sword to O' Donoghne, who kills Tor- 
mag — Erina flies to his arms — When Brian gives sword to O' Dono- 
ghue he says : 
To thee the honor of slaying thy rival. — Tableau. 

END. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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